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Campus vaccinations begin; USF supply limited

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By LINDSAY PETERSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 5, 2009

The University of South Florida has begun giving swine flu vaccinations to priority groups, such as pregnant women, but is still waiting for enough supply yet to administer mass vaccinations on campus.

"We received a very limited supply of H1N1 vaccine last week and have administered all the injectable and about half the intranasal doses," said Egilda Terenzi, the USF clinic medical director.

"When the national supply increases and we receive an adequate supply from the county, we will be planning mass immunization clinics on campus with greater visibility."

Two other public universities began vaccinations this week. The University of Florida received 800 nasal mist vaccines and made them available to healthy people under 25.

UF Students are required to register and pick a time to receive the vaccine. Health officials planned to vaccinate 50 people every half hour.

"Our ultimate goal is to vaccinate all members of the UF community who wish to be vaccinated," the university said on its website.

The University of Central Florida in Orlando began administering 1,500 doses of spray vaccine this week to students, faculty and staff.

"The initial shipment of nasal spray vaccine is a small portion of vaccines that Health Services has requested for the UCF community. The injectable H1N1 vaccine is not available at this time," university officials said.

Two weeks ago, the private University of Tampa began vaccinating priority patients, including pregnant women, caregivers of infants younger than 6 months and health care workers.

This week UT received more of both the nasal spray and shots. It expanded vaccinations to anyone 10-24 and anyone 25-64 who is at higher risk for complications from swine flu, including those with weakened immune systems.

Reporter Lindsay Peterson can be reached at (813) 259-7384.

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